Working Together Against Involuntary Hunger
In the Philippines, where many families still struggle to put food on the table, initiatives that directly tackle hunger bring hope and real change. foodpanda Philippines, through its “Let’s do our PAUrt” program, has teamed up with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to support the Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK) under the Pag-abot Program.
This collaboration doesn’t just provide meals—it highlights how private companies and government agencies can work hand in hand to fight hunger and uplift vulnerable communities.
foodpanda’s Role in Feeding Communities
Through its grocery service pandamart, foodpanda donated groceries and meals to the Walang Gutom Kitchen. Delivery partners also played a key role, personally bringing the donations to the kitchen and witnessing how their everyday work contributes to something bigger.
Lew Lopez, foodpanda Philippines’ Director of Public Relations and Public Affairs, shared that the company sees food as a basic human right. He added that supporting DSWD’s program is a way of ensuring “no Filipino goes hungry” while giving riders a chance to experience the social impact of their role.
Walang Gutom Kitchen: Daily Meals for the Hungry
The Walang Gutom Kitchen is open every day, serving 600 nutritious meals—300 for breakfast and another 300 for lunch. These meals are often a lifeline for individuals in street situations and other vulnerable groups who may not know where their next meal will come from, especially during bad weather when operations may temporarily halt.
DSWD Social Welfare Officer Ramil B. Mapoy explained that partnerships like this strengthen their mission: “It’s a whole-nation approach to ensure inclusivity in delivering basic needs and addressing involuntary hunger.”
Atty. John Dwight B. Cruz, Chief Administrative Officer of DSWD, also emphasized that hunger and malnutrition remain pressing issues, affecting one in eleven Filipinos. Corporate collaborations, he noted, help extend government reach and ensure sustainable food security.
Building a Caring Society Through Collaboration
This initiative reflects more than just a donation drive—it’s a model of how businesses can actively take part in nation-building. By aligning private sector resources with government programs, efforts like this move closer to achieving SDG Goal 2: Zero Hunger and fostering a stronger, more compassionate society.
Food insecurity has long been a challenge in the country, especially in urban centers where many families live day-to-day. Programs like the Walang Gutom Kitchen remind us that change happens when we work together—government, private sector, and even everyday individuals.
As Filipinos, we know the value of bayanihan—helping one another in times of need. Partnerships like this between foodpanda and DSWD show us how bayanihan can scale up to benefit hundreds of people every single day. If you’re inspired by this story, consider supporting local feeding programs in your community, because every small effort counts.